Airlink’s Mission Is The Safe And Effective Use Of Aviation Infrastructure To Address Humanitarian Needs
The Wings Club Foundation Humanitarian award has been presented to Airlink for their work in using aviation to help those in need around the world. Airlink’s mission is the safe and effective use of aviation infrastructure to address humanitarian needs, deliver disaster aid, and deliver relief supplies in times of crisis. Wings has been a long-time supporter of their work, and they were pleased to give Airlink CEO Steve Smith a spot in their award ceremony.
In his acceptance speech, CEO Steve Smith said, “On behalf of Airlink’s ten, energetic, passionate staff… we’re a small organization but we work 24/7, 365, on all manner of manmade and natural disasters- Many of which never make the news- I want to thank you for this honor and recognition. What an eighteen months we’ve just had, no? Each of us has a personal story on the impact and toll it’s taken on us, on a personal level, and on a professional level. But you should know, that because of our combined efforts, even when we're all struggling, the sector came together to support the delivery of protective care for medical workers, and now we’re working together to do vaccines to combat COVID-19.” He gestured to the audience, speaking to those who have helped with Airlink’s missions in the past.
“The aviation sector absolutely has become a lifeline for communities throughout the globe. And whether you’ve been working with airlink or not, it’s a tremendous achievement, something only our segment could’ve done. We should feel pride to be part of the industry. We should feel pride in the positive impact we’ve had. For Airlink, we’ve helped and supported more than 5 million people around the globe and the US since the beginning of the pandemic. At the same time we’ve continued to respond to typhoons, hurricanes, volcanoes, wildfires, and the ongoing development of the refugee crisis throughout the globe. But we really wouldn’t be here, and be able to do what we do, if it weren’t for your support. And so on behalf of the staff and all our very passionate volunteers, and most importantly, the 5 million that we’ve helped, I simply say: Thank you.”
The Wings Club Foundation is a worldwide society of aviation professionals and industry members. Their focus is to foster education for young students through grants and scholarships, and congratulate those entities that use aviation to charitable ends.